Status/Needs:The Bucs as a team were 23rd in the league with 101.7 yards rushing per game. Cadillac had a really nice turnaround from injuries in ’09 and was able to stay on the field all year, but as warm and fuzzy as that was, he finished 23rd in the league in rushing. When you consider his injury history, the fact that he hasn’t run for 800 yards since ’05, and his contract status, it would make sense to have an eye on a replacement. Is that replacement in house? Ward earned $6 million last year which would have him set to receive $3.25 million since he gets $9.25 million in the first two years of the contract. That’s far too much for a guy who had double digit carries in only 5 games this past season. Are they going to increase his role, or is he a candidate for trade or release? Then there’s Graham. He’s due $3 million himself next year, is 30 years old, carried the ball 14 times in ’09, and has rushed for 264 less yards in his entire career than Chris Johnson did in just this past season alone. Smith suffered two concussions and wasn’t involved in the offense last year. Huggins was a preseason darling but nothing more.

If Askew is recovered from injuries sustained in that car accident, fullback is fine; especially with the experience Pressley earned last year.

Our backfield is far from ideal, but given all the other priorities, can the Bucs afford to spend an early pick on a playmaker like CJ Spiller, Jahvid Best, or Dexter McCluster or a lead back like Jonathan Dwyer, Ryan Mathews, or Anthony Dixon? The odds say no, but we’ve learned to never underestimate this Buccaneer regime.

2) Jahvid Best, California (5-10, 194)great speed; excellent body control; hard to get a solid shot on; nice elusiveness in the open field; no wasted movements; can catch; tough; good ball security; return skills; not very powerful; not a pass protector; concussion history

5) Dexter McCluster, Mississippi (5-8, 165)(I have him grouped in with receivers, but I figured I’d list him here just to show where I have him slotted)poor man's Harvin; very versatile; dangerous in open field; nice hands; great weapon in passing game, slot receiver possibilities; creates mismatches; Wildcat option; has been slowed by injuries; will size hurt him in NFL? can he take a pounding?

6) Anthony Dixon, Mississippi State (6-1, 240)really like this guy; bruising runner, powerful; can't arm tackle him; finishes his runs; tremendous heart; productive; leader; showed some skill in passing game this year; might have FB versatility; I guess you can criticize him for not having elite speed, but he runs really well for guy carrying 240 pounds

7) Joe McKnight, USC (6-0, 200)(I’ve flip flopped Dixon and McKnight at 6 and 7 a couple of times; virtually same rating)great game speed; not bad size for a change of pace back; really reliable receiver; what stands out most to me his how he catches the ball and explodes upfield; really quick to the outside; nice elusiveness and footwork in tight spots; doesn't run with much power but doesn't shy away from contact either; decisive, has had turnover problems; questionable off field issue(s) at USC; is he just a change of pace guy?

9) Charles Scott, LSU (5-11, 233)powerful; thick legs; tough between the tackles; moves well for a big guy; hard to take down once gets going; underrated speed; gets to top speed pretty quickly; good footwork; no wasted movements; balanced runner; nice vision; tremendous game winning 33 yard TD run against Georgia this year; broke collarbone in '09; not elusive; not much of a pass catcher

My round for round favorite – Charles ScottCJ Spiller might be more deserving since he’s the most talented player at the position and can instantly provide a boost to any team in multiple areas, but I think Charles Scott has a lot of potential for a back who can be had in the mid-late rounds.

Late sleeper – James StarksI think he’s got a ton of upside and would go much higher if he had played this season.

Most likely to be a Buc – Dexter McClusterAgain, I list him with receivers, but I think he’s the kind of back the Bucs will target if they do indeed pursue someone at the position. I’d like to list Anthony Dixon or Charles Scott here, but if the Bucs go RB that means either Graham or Ward is likely gone. Either way they’re similar backs, so someone like McCluster would give them what they lack. I don’t support the pick since it would likely take a second rounder to get it done, but he’s the one I could see them drafting. Again, it’s all about 5.

There’s a ton of talent available in this draft at every position, and when you look to rank these players, guys at 5 and 10 are a lot closer talent-wise than in previous years. It’s going to be hard to emerge from this draft without talented players, so Dominik will have some help.